HOUSTON – Seven people have been charged and accused of stealing power and/or water from a Houston building.
Houston crime: Seven accused of stealing energy
What we know:
Harris County court records confirm the following suspects have been charged with Criminal Mischief / Interruption of Public Services:
Nicole ArbuckleSean KeeseTaylor LewisJohn NashPaul SimmonsAshley MirandaKorry Smith
Some of the suspects are accused of stealing either power or water from a building on West Belfort Avenue. Some are accused of stealing both.
Records claim some of the suspects had cut electricity from the building by installing their own power lines onto the building’s lines and onto each other’s lines.
A water meter was also allegedly removed, and a hose was connected to the water supply.
So far, records show three suspects are in Harris County custody on a $10,000 bond.
What we don’t know:
Bond amounts are not available for all suspects.
Records do not specify how much money was lost as a result of the alleged mischief. Each suspect’s charge says the mischief costed less than $30,000.
Centerpoint statement
What they’re saying:
We’re aware of the situation and defer to law enforcement on the details about the case. The equipment reportedly tampered with is customer-owned and located on private property. Tampering with any electrical equipment can pose serious risks to the public. We encourage customers to report any dangerous or illegal activity to law enforcement.
The Source: Information in this report comes from Harris County District Clerk records and Centerpoint Energy.
Crime and Public SafetyHoustonRichmondHarris CountyFort Bend County